nucleoprotein

American  

[noo-klee-uh-proh-teen, -tee-in, nyoo-] / ˌnu kli əˈproʊ tin, -ti ɪn, ˌnyu- /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. any of the class of conjugated proteins occurring in cells and consisting of a protein combined with a nucleic acid, essential for cell division and reproduction.

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nucleoprotein British  

/ ˌnjuːklɪəʊˈprəʊtiːn /

noun

1. a compound within a cell nucleus that consists of a protein bound to a nucleic acid

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Etymology

Origin of nucleoprotein

First recorded in 1905–10; nucleo- + protein

Example Sentences

MxA alerts the immune system to an influenza infection when it detects the virus’ nucleoprotein, a protein bound to its RNA.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 6, 2023

To prevent that alarm, the nucleoprotein must mutate into a form that the human MxA cannot detect.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 6, 2023

Rapid tests detect a different kind of protein, called a nucleoprotein, that has undergone many fewer changes.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 30, 2023

Your body will produce other antibodies that match up with other parts of the virus, including what's called the nucleoprotein, found inside the virus.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2020

But it does mean that vaccine developers might try rearranging their vaccines to include pieces of the nucleoprotein.

From Nature • Mar. 8, 2015